What's Up Sheepdogs? Ryan here with Tampa Carry.

Concealed carry is when your firearm is physically on your body or about your person. 

What does CCW mean? It means Carrying a Concealed Weapon. 

Understanding Florida Law

The concealed carry definition in Florida Statutes 790.001(2) "Concealed firearm" means any firearm, which is carried on or about a person in such a manner as to conceal the firearm from the ordinary sight of another person. 

The term "about your person" means the firearm is in such close proximity that it can be retrieved and used as quickly as if it were carried on your person. This would include a purse, backpack, or briefcase. 

The term "concealed" means your firearm or weapon must be hidden. No one should be able to look at you and notice that you have a gun under your clothing. 

Can You Carry a Gun in a Backpack in Florida?

The answer to this question would depend on if you have a Florida concealed carry permit or not. If you have a permit, yes you can carry a firearm inside a backpack.

If you do not have a valid Florida concealed carry permit you would not be allowed to have a firearm inside of a backpack because this would meet the definition of "about your person" 

Do You Need a Concealed Weapon Permit to Concealed Carry Around Your Home or Business?

Yes, you may concealed carry around your own home, and in your “place of business.” In this context, “place of business” means wherever you’re employed, be it a trade union, a professional organization or a standard business. 

Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car?

If you are carrying the gun while in your car, and it is concealed, then that is allowed under the law. However, if you are not carrying the gun, it must be “securely encased or otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use.” This counts as a glove box (whether or not it’s locked), snapped into a holster, in a gun case (whether or not it’s locked), in a zippered case, or in a box with a closed lid. 

By being “not readily accessible” that means that you can’t have it in a place where you could grab it easily. So, for example, if the gun was under your car seat and you had to get out of the car, or stop the car to be able to reach under and get it, then that means it’s not readily available. But if the gun is just between the seats, where you could draw it quickly, then that would be illegal.

Remember That a Concealed Carry Weapon Must Be Concealed

Just because you have a concealed carry license doesn’t mean that you can open carry in the state of Florida. If you show the gun to anyone, you could be arrested. 

Where Can You Not Take A Concealed Carry Weapon?

Places in Florida where you cannot carry a concealed gun are courthouses, any type of detention facility (including jails and prisons), police departments and sheriffs’ offices, and airports. Also, you can’t take a concealed carry weapon to a polling place, a government meeting place, a school or university, a sporting event, and you can’t take them to a place where alcohol is being served--so be careful when you go to restaurants! 

That's all I have for today. So until next time keep training and stay safe...Talk to you soon,

Ryan G. Thomas

P.S. You’re one step away from getting your Florida concealed carry permit….FAST & EASY…

And for a limited time you can watch the concealed carry course online for free... Click here to get started...